840-horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon debuts in New York

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Official Numbers

After months of teasers and more than a few leaks, it’s finally here – the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has arrived. Unveiled with the help of Wiz Khalifa and Vin Diesel during a slick, pyrotechnic-filled production the night before the 2017 New York International Auto Show, Dodge claims the Demon is the fastest production muscle car in the world, framing it as the cure for soulless mobile appliances. More importantly, here are the numbers you’ve been begging for.

Output is rated at 840 horsepower at the rear wheels thanks to a 2.7-liter supercharger making 14.5 psi of boost. Acceleration looks like 2.3 seconds in the 60-mph sprint, while 5.1 seconds is needed to hit 100 mph. Launch it right, and you’ll do wheelies on your way to a 9.65-second quarter mile pass at 140 mph. Curb weight is rated at 4,200 pounds, 200 pounds less than the “regular” Challenger Hellcat.

What’s more, Dodge revealed you’ll be able to spec yours to taste, from stripped-down track tool, to something more suitable for the street. For example, the front seat and rear seat are offered for a dollar a piece, while a stereo system is also on the options list.

840-horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon debuts in New York

With 840 horsepower and 770 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Demon V-8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most-powerful muscle car ever and the highest horsepower V-8 production car engine ever produced. Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars — Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America, unveiled the car at a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday, April 11. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift as certified by Guinness World Records.

Let’s start in the driver’s seat, where pilots strap in using a four-point race harness. A push button starter fires up the V-8, while a dedicated drag mode recalibrates the suspension, redirects the A/C to cool the intake, and engages the line lock for the traditional burnout.

Moving outside, we find the Demon gets a widebody treatment, with the flared fenders hunched over lightweight wheels measured at 18 inches in diameter and 11 inches in width. Wrapping the wheels are cheater slick tires from Nitto, which were developed specifically for use with the Demon. Sizing comes in at 315/40R18, and there’s wrinkle wall tech for extra squirt off the line. The suspension up front is loosened, sending more weight to the rear, enhancing traction.

The blower uses a bypass that stuffs the manifold with 8 psi as you stage up. Once you’ve passed the 6-foot mark, the full 14.5 psi kicks in. Denser air is provided by the largest functional cold-air intake ever used in a production car, while the A/C redirect system drops intake temps by as much as 45 degrees.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s driver-side functional Air-Catcher headlamp features a Demon logo.

There’s 3.09 gearing, as well as specially configured electronic tuning that’ll cut back on power if the driver gets off the throttle while doing his or her run, presumably to keep the rear from hooking while catching a slide.

Additionally, Hagerty was announced as the official insurance provider for the Demon, and buyers also get a black leather-bound track manual filled with tips and a checklist to ensure there’s no hiccups while getting through tech.

Source: Top Speed

Contributing Author at Fuel Curve

Before becoming an automotive journalist, Derek was diving into engine bays and wiring car audio systems for competitions since high school. Granted, there were a few leftover pieces after reassembling everything but nothing ever fell apart on the road. Today Derek applies his enthusiasm and gearhead knowledge into the latest cars, unraveling today's complex automotive technology, and learning the rich history behind classic cars.